Justin Houtz

Isaiah 4-5; Psalms 115-116; Jude

DateVersionReading Plan
July 2, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Isaiah 4-5

Observation & Interpretation

Continuing from the previous chapter, Isaiah speaks of how seven women will take hold of one man and say that they will eat their own bread, wear their own clothes and desire that their reproach be taken away (Is. 4:1). “An added calamity will be the loss of their men … in war. The decimation of the male population will lead seven women to aggressively propose to one man, promising to support themselves as long as they can carry his name and thus escape the awful reproach of being unmarried and of dying childless.” (BBC). Isaiah then speaks of how the branch of the LORD shall be beautiful in this day (Is. 4:2). Those left in Zion and Jerusalem will be called holy (Is. 4:3). There will be a booth for shade by day for the heat and a refuge from the storm and rain (Is. 4:6).

Chapter 5 opens with the Isaiah speaking of the LORD’s longing to sing for His beloved (Is. 5:1). “Though this poem calls itself a love song (Isa 5:1), it more closely resembles a parable. The poet uses the metaphor of a vineyard to describe God’s care for Israel.” (FSB). However, the LORD will remove the protective hedge from the vineyard—the house of Israel—and break down its wall, He will make it a waste and command that the clouds rain no rain upon it (Is. 5:5-6). God looked for justice but found bloodshed, for righteousness but found outcry (Is. 5:7).

The LORD through Isaiah declares woe to those who join house to house (Is. 5:8). He swears that many houses will be desolate without inhabitant (Is. 5:9). Five more woes are declared (six total in vv. 8-23) against the wicked. From these, Isaiah concludes that as the tongue of fire devours stubble and grass sinks down in the flame, so their root will be as rottenness (Is. 5:24). The LORD will raise a signal for nations far away and whistle from the ends of earth (Is. 5:26). “He … will whistle for the Babylonians to come. See their troops approaching—in top physical condition, perfectly uniformed, well armed. The horses and chariots approach fast and furiously. The troops pounce like a lion upon the populace, then carry the people off into exile. It’s a dark day for Judah!” (BBC).

Application

The narrative continues of the wickedness of God’s people and the meting out of God’s swift and righteous justice. God would act in just judgment toward His people through the future Babylonian capture and captivity. It is a sobering reminder of our sin and God’s holy perfection, of our utter failure to worship, praise and abide in our LORD as He alone deserves. And yet, despite our rebellion against Him, He remains faithful—proceeding in love to restore and redeem His people to right relationship through the sending and sacrifice of His only Son. May we read these chapters and be cut to the quick of the LORD’s abounding grace.

Resources